Most Common Diseases that Can Affect Your Feet and Toenails

The foot is one of the most important parts of your body. It supports your entire body weight and allows you to move from one point to another. If you have been overlooking the importance of your feet, now is the best time to give them a bit more TLC! It's crucial to take care of your feet, especially if you don't want to suffer from the diseases and health conditions enumerated below.

Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is a highly contagious fungal disease that often comes with symptoms such as crumbly nails, cracking soles, foot blisters and stinging sensation on the foot. It is caused by the overgrowth of tinea fungus. To treat the condition, one needs to consult with a doctor. Your healthcare provider may need to perform a physical examination or skin test to determine the severity of your condition. Once confirmed, your physician will prescribe the appropriate treatment to use.

Toenail fungus
Like athlete's foot, toenail infection is also triggered by fungi overgrowth. It is characterised by streaking or yellowish spots on the infected nails. Nail fungal infection occurs when fungi enter the nail bed. Most of the time, the symptoms tend to show very slowly. If you think you contracted this disease, don't hesitate to contact your health provider. Your physician will prescribe medication like fungal nail tablets to help you manage your condition and prevent permanent nail damage.

Diabetic neuropathy
People diagnosed with diabetes often monitor changes happening to their feet because they are at risk of developing diabetic neuropathy. It is a condition wherein the nerves get damaged because of the high levels of glucose and fats in the bloodstream. It usually manifests on the feet and legs first, followed by the arms, hands, and fingers. It's highly unlikely to treat diabetic neuropathy, but its development can be slowed down with proper medication.

Stone bruise

Stone bruise or metatarsalgia is a condition caused by wearing tight-fighting shoes, underlying medical problems and high-intensity sports or training. The balls of your feet may feel extremely tingly or painful. You may also feel like pebbles are stuck inside your footwear when you walk. To manage the pain, you can apply an ice pack to the affected area. You can also use common pain relievers. If the pain is starting to cause you inconvenience, you can see your doctor and ask for a stronger pain reliever.

Plantar wart
Do you have a habit of walking barefoot in the gym's locker room? If yes, then you are exposing yourself to human papillomavirus that causes plantar warts. Plantar warts can cause you a lot of pain while walking. Good thing, it's a highly treatable disease. You can use topical creams containing salicylic acid to get rid of warts.

Have you ever suffered from any of the conditions or diseases enumerated above? How did you manage it? It must have been a severe ordeal! Never tried dealing with the common foot and toes diseases listed above? Perhaps you've been doing a great job taking care of your feet. Continue observing proper foot care and maintenance techniques, so you never have to deal with nasty conditions and diseases.


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